Landform: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in geography to describe natural features on the Earth's surface, such as mountains, valleys, and plains.

• Mountains and valleys are examples of landforms.
• The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous landforms in the United States.

Used more specifically in geology to describe a layer of rock or a structure that formed at a specific time or process in Earth's history.

• The Grand Staircase is an impressive geological formation.
• Geologists study the types of rocks in this geological formation to understand Earth's history.

Used in cartography and geography to refer to the physical features of the Earth's surface, including its shape and elevation, often represented on topographic maps.

• The topographical features of this area include several hills and a river.
• Topographic maps show the elevation and shape of the land's surface.

Used in both geography and everyday conversation to describe any notable or distinctive element of a landscape, not necessarily natural (can include human-made features).

• The old castle is a prominent landscape feature in the region.
• Tall trees and lakes are landscape features that enhance the beauty of the area.